SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK
Semliki National Park is a beautiful place in Uganda especially loved by birdwatchers. The park is 220 square kilometers in size and lies at an altitude of 670–760 meters above sea level. It was first protected as a forest reserve in 1932 and became a national park in 1993. Semliki is located in the western part of Uganda in Bundibugyo District near the Rwenzori and Kibale Forest National Parks. The park sits in the hot and humid Rift Valley and is part of the Congo jungle’s eastern edge.
This lowland park is part of the great Ituri Rainforest from the Congo Basin. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse forests having survived the last ice age thousands of years ago. The species in Semliki have been developing for over 25,000 years and the park’s hot springs show the underground forces shaping the Rift Valley. Many of Semliki’s features resemble Central Africa more than Eastern Africa.
Weather in Semliki
The park experiences temperatures between 18°C (minimum) and 30°C (maximum) with little daily variation. Rainfall is heaviest from March to May and September to December with about 1,250 mm yearly. June to September is the dry season with average temperatures of 25°C. January and February are also hot and dry.
Plants and Animals in Semliki
Semliki National Park lies in the Albertine Rift ecosystem rich with plants, animals, and unique habitats. It has Uganda’s only lowland semi-deciduous forest which is part of the Guinea-Congo Biome. The park’s most famous attractions are the male and female hot springs.
Birds
Semliki is known as a paradise for bird lovers with over 440 bird species. It has rare birds from the Albertine Rift such as the Dwarf Honey Guide, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Blue-headed Sunbird. Other special birds include the White-tailed Hornbill, Capuchin Babbler, and Orange Weaver.
Over 40 bird species in Semliki are found nowhere else in Uganda. Birdwatchers can also spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’ Turaco, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill. This makes Semliki National Park the perfect destination for bird enthusiasts.
Mammals
The park is home to 53 mammal species including 8 that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. These include the Mona Monkey, Target Rat, Pygmy Flying Squirrel, Little Collared Fruit Bat, Water Chevrotain, Forest Buffalo, Bay Duiker, and Beecroft’s Flying Squirrel. Chimpanzees can also be seen in Mugiri Forest especially during the rainy season
Other Wildlife
Reptiles and amphibians are well represented in the park. Visitors may also see unique animals like the Forest Buffalo and other species that live in a few parts of East Africa.
Getting to Semliki
Semliki National Park can be reached by road from Kampala via two routes:
1. Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende: About 5 hours.
2. Kampala to Fort Portal via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kasese: About 7 hours.
From Fort Portal it takes about one hour to reach the Sempaya Gate and the park headquarters at Ntandi is just 10 minutes away.
Alternatively, visitors can fly from Kajjansi Airfield near Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip followed by a 2-hour drive to the park. Another option is to fly to the Tooro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve airstrip.
Activities in Semliki National Park
Visitors can enjoy:
J Nature walks: Explore the beautiful forest.
J Birdwatching: Spot rare and colorful bird species.
J Game drives: Visit the Tooro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
J Hiking and cultural encounters: Learn about the local communities.
J Hot spring visits: See the male and female hot springs.
Semliki National Park offers a unique experience for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and adventurers. It is truly one of Uganda’s hidden treasures!